Fairwinds CU

This is a financial institution offering SBA loan programs tailored for small businesses. You can find information about loan options, application procedures, and support services to help your business grow.

It is recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated assistance, but walk-ins may be accommodated depending on staff availability.

Fairwinds CU's Business Services team operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. For SBA loan inquiries, contact their Business Loans team at (407) 306-6042 or (888) 413-0271 to confirm current availability.

There are no fees to visit the branch; however, loan application and processing fees may apply depending on the services used.

This institution primarily serves members of the credit union, but non-members may also access certain services with membership eligibility.

Typically, a minimum personal credit score of around 650 is preferred, but this can vary based on the loan specifics and borrower qualifications.

The underwriting process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of your application and documentation.

Fairwinds CU's Business Services (SBA lending) do not operate on weekends and are available Monday through Friday only, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST—confirm with the lender for holiday exceptions.

Fairwinds CU is located in Florida — see the contact card for the full address. Most credit union locations offer free on-site or nearby street parking for visitors. For exact directions, the entrance, and accessible parking, use the listed address or call ahead and staff can point you to visitor spaces.

This page is an independent directory listing for Fairwinds CU, an SBA-participating credit union. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Fairwinds CU itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Fairwinds CU, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.

The core details for Fairwinds CU — name, location, contact, and lender type — are compiled from public records and reviewed periodically. Rates, programs, credit policies, and hours change often and are not guaranteed here, so always confirm the latest terms directly with Fairwinds CU before applying. If you represent Fairwinds CU, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.

You can reach Fairwinds CU by phone at (407) 277-5045 or online at fairwinds.org — the details are in the contact card on this page. For SBA loans specifically, ask for their business lending or SBA department. Treat this directory page as a starting point and confirm hours and contact details with Fairwinds CU before relying on them.

Based on its approved SBA loans, Fairwinds CU most often finances businesses in construction & contractors. This reflects Fairwinds CU's real SBA 7(a) and 504 lending history rather than a stated policy — it can still consider other industries and sets its own current preferences, so confirm with Fairwinds CU which sectors it actively lends to before you apply.

SBA Express offers lines of credit and term loans up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround than standard 7(a) loans. Whether Fairwinds CU participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact Fairwinds CU and ask if it offers SBA Express and what the current limits and terms look like for your situation.

SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status lets a lender approve loans in-house without sending each one to the SBA first, which usually means faster decisions. Many established credit unions hold PLP status, but it varies by institution. Fairwinds CU can confirm its current PLP standing — ask before you apply if speed matters to you.

The SBA does fund start-ups, but many traditional lenders prefer at least two years of operating history and may ask newer ventures for a larger equity injection or stronger collateral. Fairwinds CU's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask Fairwinds CU directly whether it considers start-up loans.

For SBA 7(a) and 504 commercial real estate loans, borrowers typically contribute around 10% to 20% as a down payment or equity injection, depending on the property and the deal. Exact requirements vary with your credit, the business, and the lender's policy. Ask Fairwinds CU what down payment it expects for your specific commercial real estate purchase.

SBA 7(a) loans with terms under 15 years generally carry no prepayment penalty, while longer real estate loans can have one in the early years. Short-term working capital lines often have no penalty, but terms vary by lender. Review your loan agreement and ask Fairwinds CU to spell out any prepayment penalties before you sign.

SBA loans can be used for a partner or owner buyout, including buying out an existing equity partner, when the deal is structured to meet SBA rules — for example, the remaining owner generally must stay actively involved. Approval depends on the specifics, so discuss your buyout plan with Fairwinds CU to confirm it qualifies and how to document it.

A past personal bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify you from an SBA loan. Lenders look at how long ago it was discharged, the circumstances, and how your credit has recovered since. Fairwinds CU weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Fairwinds CU how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.